January 20th, 2021

Having a political opinion nowadays, seems to be off the table, especially when you are running a business but I really think it's good to share ideas and points of view. A different perspective is good if both parties are there to share and not condemn. There is a fine line but let's keep looking for ways to connect rather than judge and dismiss. Sometimes, it's easier said than done.

I grew up here in AZ until I was 13. I am going to guess that we will call that a "Conservative" experience. I went to Christian school and the family always voted Republican. Then I lived in Hawaii, then Phoenix for some more years. In my early 20's, I moved to Los Angeles, spent 10 years in a very liberal place, moved to Louisiana for 2 years to work in film and also as a volunteer in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. That would be "Conservative" for the most part. Back to CA for another decade and then back to Sedona.

I would say, generally speaking, I have spent almost exactly half of my life in a Conservative place and the other half, in the Liberal places...generally speaking. 

​I am grateful to have this experience because despite what our news outlets might want the people to believe, almost every conversation in either place (Conservative or Liberal) comes down to the same talks and almost, the same belief systems. We all want to feel safe and happy. We want to be able to provide for our families and live in a safe environment. Love and safety is the through line that I think we can all agree on. 

I am no expert in any of this, just a recorder of observations and they have been all over the map. I have no interest in "swaying" anyone about anything because the more I learn, the less I realize I know. All I can say to any of this is that if we want love and safety, we need to be that to ourselves and our community. I have had many great conversations with some very loving and intelligent folks over the years and the sentiment is almost always the same. "We are a great country...but we can be better." I agree. This country is awesome but it can be better if we can be better.

​My goal, this year and every year moving forward is to try to give everyone what I am looking for...a friendly "Hello" when I am out and about, a wave to the person in the car, driving by, as I walk my dog, handing a few bucks to the man or woman who is at the corner with a sign that says "Anything will help." It makes the world (just maybe) a little better. At the very least, it feels better to help. I started volunteering 13 years ago and it has given back way more than I have been able to give.  

If we all make little efforts here and there to show our fellow humans that we are all connected, in one way or another, it will benefit all of us in the best ways. Show Love family. We are a great bunch of humans but we can do better. Let's all start with one little action today because that stuff ripples out. I am grateful for you. Go be the best version of you that you have and I promise to do the same. LOVE LOVE LOVE. 

Photo: Paul Hage-Chahine